Creating Heirlooms that Last

As a DC and Northern Va Family and Newborn Photographer, it is my honor to document the most precious moments in your days. I have had the distinct pleasure of photographing everything from the moments of waiting and preparation before baby, to the first coos and cries of your little one to the last days before your children leave the home. It is not lost on me how delicate and special these times are.

I choose to serve you by offering printed artwork that will last for generations to come. Although we live in a digital age, I believe that prints are eternal and far more valuable than a digital file. Digital files hold a valuable purpose and are part of the experience I offer my clients, but they should only be part of a family’s legacy. Technology is ever evolving, but we will always be able to hold prints in our own hands.

What is the difference between the prints and artwork you would purchase from a photographer compared to prints you would purchase at a local drugstore?

Appearance

There are so many differences here. First, let’s talk about appearance. Your images will appear differently when not printed through a professional photo lab. You will notice differences in contrast, temperature, clarity – you name it, you will see subtle changes to your original image.

Quality and Longevity

Secondly, and most importantly, the quality is just lower. Non-professional prints just don’t last as long. If you want to pass your photographs down to future generations, you definitely want to use a professional lab. Acid is the number cause of print deterioration, and the amount of acid in non-professional prints is high.

You will begin to notice deterioration in non-professional prints after about 25-30 years. Professional prints – 200-300 years. BIG difference.

What does acid-free mean?

When you invest in artwork through your photographer, there is a significant difference in price. But it is well worth it. Many places will market that their prints are acid-free, when really, this is not entirely the case.

Basically, you want your prints to have a pH scale of over 7 for longevity. Most places will offer prints well under 7. Stores that say they offer acid-free printing may actually be close to a pH scale of 7.

Lignin is also found in most papers and becomes acidic over time and turns brown.

Professional, museum-quality prints will be 100% cotton and lignin free with a pH scale of over 7.5 This means they should last for hundreds of years.

What does this mean for me?

Legacy is important to me. I want to provide you with heirlooms to pass down for generations. I want you to be able to peruse albums with the ones you love.

The artwork I offer is 100% cotton and lignin free. Not only will the print quality be superior, but I also offer museum glass to further protect your prints against external factors.

Our loved ones are the most precious things we have in this world. Investing in quality artwork to preserve the love we share is essential.

DC and Northern VA Family Photographer | Marie Elizabeth Photography

Marie Elizabeth Photography specializes in fine art Maternity, Newborn, and Family Photography based out of Washington, D.C. She also serves the areas of Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Falls Church, Vienna, Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Silver Spring, College Park, and Riverdale Park. 

It is always an honor to serve as your DC and Northern VA Family Photographer. I provide a custom, luxurious experience to lead you every step of the way, beginning with a planning guide to make you feel confident and prepared, a consultation to achieve your portrait goals, a client wardrobe, hair and make-up artists, and finally, artwork to adorn your walls and preserve your memories forever. Let me be a part of your story today.